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Course Availability

This course is only available to trainees days after purchase.
It would need to be repurchased by the trainee if not completed in the allotted time period.
This course is no longer available.
You will need to repurchase if you wish to take the course again.

Description

"...the specialty of exotic pet mammal medicine and surgery has become more mainstream in veterinary practice, and, as a matter of fact, has become an integral component of most small animal clinical practices. The knowledge base has expanded tremendously as interest in small mammals has prompted research in these animals not as just as laboratory species, but as companion animals. As information about these species has become much more accessible via Internet websites and chat groups, the public has increasingly recognized that these species are valued as pets and deserving of high quality veterinary care. Many pet owners look beyond the financial value of these animals and expect state of the art veterinary care at the same level as that given to dogs and cats...we therefore must be able to provide a high level of medical and surgical care, based on a solid knowledge base, for these pets."

Exotic Medicine: Diseases and Disorders of Companion Animal Exotics is an 8-week, advanced level course, which will help team members increase their knowledge of the diseases and disorders that often present to practices, enabling them to provide comprehensive client education, and to help develop effective diagnostic and treatment protocols. Although this course does not carry RACE approved credits for veterinarians, it is recommended for those who have interest in these patients.

It is recommended that participants have a strong foundational knowledge of ferrets, rabbits and pocket pets or have completed the course Exotic Medicine: General Care and Husbandry of Companion Animal Exotics. Working in a practice or with exotics is not a requirement for the completion of assignments in this course. Participants are not required to work in practice to complete this course.

Objectives

On completion of this course the learner will be able to:

1. Compare and contrast diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including viral and bacterial diarrhea in ferrets
2. Identify disorders of the urinary tract system in ferrets
3. Diagnose cardiac and respiratory diseases in ferrets, including myocarditis, heartworm disease, influenza and pneumonia
4. Evaluate endocrine and dermatological related diseases in ferrets
5. Recognize Gastrointestinal Stasis in Rabbits
6. Compare and contrast respiratory diseases, including Pasteurellosis in Rabbits
7. Identify disorders of the urinary tract and reproductive system in rabbits
8. Compare and contrast bacterial, fungal, parasite and viral derm infections of rabbits
9. Identify diseases of guinea pigs, chinchillas, and other small rodents

Jody Nugent-Deal is a Registered Veterinary Technician and a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Anesthesia and in Clinical Practice, Exotic Companion Animals. Jody has worked for the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for over 14 years, working in the Companion Exotics Department for 10 years and currently the Small Animal Anesthesia Department for over 4 years.

Jody is a founding member of the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Clinical Practice and is currently the executive secretary for the group and the appeals committee chair. Jody is also an active member with the Academy of Veterinary Technician Anesthetists having served on the credentials and appeals committees.

Jody has lectured for over 13 years throughout Canada and North America on various exotic animal medicine and anesthesia topics. She has authored several articles and book chapters. Jody also served as a peer reviewer for the Veterinary Technician Journal and was featured on the cover in 2004.

Jody has a special interest in anesthesia, analgesia, pain management and critical care in both exotics and dogs and cats.

Current Accreditations

This course has been certified by or provided by the following Certified Organization/s: